Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Nov 13: In a significant direction, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) today asked Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) to restrict number of pilgrims per day to holy Bhawan of Goddess Vaishno Devi Ji, located between Trikuta Hills at the height of 5200 feet from sea level, to 50,000 and open newly constructed Banganga-Adh Kunwari track, named Tarakota Marg, on November 24.
While there was no problem to SMVDSB in restricting per day pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi Ji shrine to 50,000 as there were hardly two or three days in a year when the yatra cross this figure, the Board was taken by surprise on the direction for opening of new Banganga-Adh Kunwari track within the next 11 days as several facilities for the pilgrims on this track were being raised.
Sources said the Shrine Board had kept March 1, 2018 deadline for opening of 6.5 kilometers Tarakota Marg as by then it had schedule to complete all necessary facilities for pilgrims along the track.
When approached for comments, SMVDSB CEO Jitendra Singh told the Excelsior that they were yet to receive the NGT order.
“When we receive the order, we will study it and find out what specific directions have been issued to the Shrine Board,” he said.
The NGT directed that only 50,000 pilgrims will be allowed to visit Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji shrine in a day to avoid any untoward incident. It said that a new path to the shrine exclusively for pedestrians and battery-operated cars will be opened from November 24.
The NGT directed that no horses or mules shall be allowed on the new route to the shrine and these animals shall be removed slowly from the old path as well.
It also directed the authorities to impose a fine (environment compensation) of Rs 2,000 on anyone found littering the roads as well as the bus stop at the nearby Katra town.
The NGT bench headed by chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar made it clear that if the number of pilgrims exceeds the prescribed 50,000 cap, they will be stopped at Adh Kunwari or Katra town, considering that the Vaishno Devi Bhawan structure cannot accommodate more than 50,000 persons.
The Green Panel’s directions came during the hearing of a plea filed by an activist seeking directions to stop the use of horses and ponies in Vaishno Devi shrine premises, prompting the NGT to seek response from the Government on the issue.
The petitioner had expressed concern over the “pollution and danger to public health” caused by indiscriminate use of horses, ponies, mules and donkeys, to carry pilgrims and goods from Katra to the Vaishno Devi temple.
The directions came while NGT was hearing a plea filed by activist Gauri Maulekhi seeking to remove horses and mules from the path to the shrine, saying it was dangerous for the pedestrians, especially the senior citizens.
“The new path which was constructed for Rs 40 crore should be positively opened to public by November 24. No further time will be granted and, in default, appropriate action will be taken against the concerned authorities,” it said.
Sources said the Shrine Board was not worried about the NGT order restricting per day number of the pilgrims at 50,000 on the ground that there were hardly three to four days in a year when the yatra touched this figure including December 31 when many people want to have glimpse of natural pindies of Goddess Vaishno Devi on the New Year. Moreover during summer vacations of May-June there were two or three weekends when the yatra comes close to 50,000.
“We have already been restricting the yatra to 40,000 or 45,000 during peak rush days. So this order can be implemented very easily by the Shrine Board,” sources said.
However, as far as the opening of new track of Katra-Adh Kunwari is concerned, sources said the Board was in the process of raising rain sheds and generating wayside facilities along the route. It had set the deadline of March 1, 2018 for opening of the new track. However, the Board authorities would study the NGT order and take decision accordingly.
It may be mentioned here that locals of Katra and Banganga are also opposed to opening of new Katra-Adh Kunwari track.
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